As mentioned in the previous blog entitled Hatha Yoga I explained how Maritime Yoga College doesn't follow a particular lineage and hatha refers more to the style of yoga taught. This means you are free to discover your own voice and teaching style. You are also not limited to the type of classes you can teach after completing the course.

There are some styles of yoga that don't require a specific certificate on top of a 200-hour yoga teacher training in order to teach it. This includes yin, power (flow/vinyassa), hot and kundalini. You will learn the basics of these styles along with others, spanning different traditions at the Maritime Yoga College, allowing you to add in the elements that appeal to you.

The extra styles of yoga we'll explore, are also not associated with a particular lineage, so it may depend on the studio you plan to teach at, what specific training they require, if any. For example, those wishing to teach Bikram Hot Yoga, must attend a Bikram Hot Yoga Training in order to teach that style. But for those studios offering a generic hot yoga class, you usually do not require extra training.

Remember, a certificate is one thing, but what will happen after completing this course comes down to you. Studios look for teachers who are passionate. Who are practicing their teaching skills. Who are constantly learning.

This 200 hour training really is your introduction into this vast subject. I am certain you will find threads that will resonate with you that will be explored further upon completing the course.

As you will read in our Teacher Training section, the Maritime Yoga College is a Hatha-based course. Allow me to clarify what this means. 

Hatha Yoga has 2 meanings. Firstly, Hatha Yoga is a branch of yoga along with Raja Yoga (Royal Yoga), Jnana Yoga (Yoga of Knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Love and Self-Dedication in the Divine Person), Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action) and Mantra Yoga (Yoga of Sound).

All branches of yoga have the same goal, for the practitioner to one day experience pure ecstasy or bliss also known as Samadhi. These eye-opening and heart-opening moments of enlightenment, show we are all connected and liberate us from the idea of "self" that keeps us in a bubble, and stuck in our habitual patterns. Through Hatha Yoga (also known as Forceful Yoga) it attained primarily through pranayama (conscious breath control) and asana (postures).

ALL styles of yoga that incorporate asana in this way, are technically considered to be Hatha Yoga. That includes, hot yoga, vinyasa, power, ashtanga, anusura, kundalini, yin and any other style offered at studios and gyms around the world.

Here's where it gets a little confusing. Under that Hatha Yoga umbrella, we find on those class schedules, Hatha Yoga. In this sense, Hatha Yoga is a style of practice that incorporates a mix of seated, standing and balancing postures that work to improve strength and flexibility in the body and mind. 

So, when Maritime Yoga College says it's a Hatha-based course, it speaks more to the second meaning . This course will break down many of the common asanas and breathing techniques found in yoga classes today. It will focus on clear and effective communication and follow no particular linage, leaving you open to finding your own voice and teaching style.